1.1 Purpose of the CompetitionThe Vianna da Motta Competition was started in 1956 by Sequeira Costa. It is held triennially and has been a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions (with head offices in Geneva, Switzerland) since 1966. Former prizewinners include Naum Shtarkman, Nelson Freire, Vladimir Krainev, Victoria Postnikova, Ida Kavafian, Artur Pizarro and Tao Chang.In 1995, Sequeira Costa, President and Founder of the Competition, also established The Vianna da Motta Foundation, a non-profit organization which serves as a parent-like entity to Competition, the VMF record label and historial archives.

1.2. Organized byThe Vianna da Motta Competition is under the auspices of the Portuguese Ministry of Culture. The competition is promoted by The Vianna da Motta International Music Foundation.

2.1. EligibilityThe Competition is open to pianists of all nationalities, born on or after July 31, 1978 and no later than July 18, 1992 (age 18 to 32).

2.2 Application PeriodApplications and supporting materials must be received at the competition office no later than February 28th, 2010.

2.3. ProcedureAll applicants (candidates) will be accepted as long they provide the competition office with the following documentation:- Application form (can be downloaded from The Vianna da Motta Music Foundation Web site: www.vdamotta.org).- A photocopy of the candidate’s certificate of birth indicating nationality, date and place of birth.- A photocopy of a diploma from a musical or university institution.- Four photographs: 2 passport size, and 2 glossy black and white 5"x7" (1.25 x 1.74 cm).- Two letters of recommendation from musicians of renown.- A list of complete repertoire (not only the competition program). This list should be typed or written in block letters.- A registration fee of 150 euros (NET, excluding all bank charges) effected through a wire transfer. A receipt of this wire transfer showing proof of payment is required and must be included with the application materials.Wire transfer instructions:ACCT # 145592026416Routing # 101000187Swift Code # USBK US 44 IMTPrairie Village, KS 66207Applications that do not provide this proof of payment will not be considered valid. In addition, the application will only be considered valid after the confirmation of the candidate’s acceptance by the organizers of the competition.

3.1. Travel and Accomodation- Both travel expenses and accomodation are the responsability of each contestant. The competition does not provide airfare or any other travel expenses.All candidates must make their own reservations at Lisbon hotels or residencies. A list of convenient places and prices will be sent long in advance so that the candidates can make their reservations.- The organizers of the competition are not responsible for obtaining the visas for candidates accepted to the competition. The only form of assistance the competition will provide is a "letter" to the candidate stating that he/she has indeed been accepted to the competition. All other steps for obtaining the visa are the responsibility of the candidate.

3.2. Pratice PianoA room with a grand piano will be made available to each contestant at no charge, for a period of at least 4 hours per day. The praticing days will have to be scheduled.

3.3. Drawing for Appearence OrderThe order of presentation of competitors will be decided by the drawing of numbers. Each competitor will retain the same number throughout the competition.

4. Judging of the CompetitionThe Jury decisions are irrevocable.Jury Members:- President and Founder, José Carlos Sequeira Costa- Other Jury Members will be announced soon.

The Grand Prize Winner will also be awarded:- Concerts with The Gulbenkian Orchestra, and will perform recitals in the major festivals of Portugal.- CD recording on the VMF label.Other engagements are beeing negotiated.Each 3 prizewinners will receive a diploma signed by the President of the Vianna da Motta Competition and all Jury Members.Competitors admitted to the "semi-finals" will receive a certificate.